History
Our History
Ever since the early days, innovation has been our inspiration. Combining our expert knowledge and pioneering attitude we continue to set the benchmark for design, value and performance.
History
2019
Venesta becomes the first UK washroom panel manufacturer to eliminate board waste to landfill.
We are extremely proud to announce that we have totally eliminated board waste going to landfill, with the help of our state-of-the-art, 1.75MW, on-site biomass burner.
2018
Marking an important milestone for Venesta – Venesta Middle East.
Venesta is proud to announce the opening of our new office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
2017
Venesta Washroom Systems acquires the Intellectual Property Rights for Grant Westfield Commercial Contracts Division products.
Following the recent announcement of Grant Westfield’s decision to withdraw from the Commercial Washrooms market, Venesta and Grant Westfield are pleased to announce Venesta’s acquisition of the Intellectual Property Rights for Grant Westfield Commercial Contracts Division products.
2015
Venesta revolutionises the pre-plumbed industry.
We are renowned for our continuous innovation in pre-plumbed systems. Bringing together cutting-edge technology and the latest in saintaryware, we introduced Vepps in 2015 – the industry’s first precision engineered, pre-plumbed panel system.
2001
Venesta sets a new benchmark in pre-plumbed systems.
Recognising the opportunity to set a new benchmark for design and performance, Venesta replaced its traditional timber-framed IPS pre-plumbed system. IPS Evolve was launched, the UK’s first metal framed, click fix IPS system.
1980
Venesta introduces colours never seen before in a washroom.
Using fresh and vibrant colours, previously never seen in washroom areas, Venesta introduced Genesis toilet cubicles specifically designed for children. Genesis offered reduced height and shaped doors and partitions, perfect for teacher supervision.
1965
Greenwich District Hospital installs first pre-plumbed units.
Using timber and plywood, we manufactured the UK’s first pre-plumbed system which was installed in Greenwich Hospital – the first of its kind.
1949
Venesta acquires new factory in West Street, Erith.
In 1949, Venesta builds new factory in Erith, Kent.
1939
Venesta supplies plywood to build De Havilland Mosquitos in WW2.
In 1939, Venesta was one of the companies to provide plywood to build the famous De Havilland Mosquitos in the second world war.
1937
Venesta exhibits in the 1937 British Industries Fair as the makers of “Plymax”
The British Industries Fair (BIF) was once the most visited attraction in the country, located on the edge of Birmingham and running for 2 weeks in February
1934
Venesta exhibits at the London Building Exhibition.
Venesta exhibited at the London Building Exhibition in 1934 with a display stand showcasing different finishes for plywood panelling and moulded plywood bench seats, organised by architect Jack Pritchard.
1930
Venesta leads the way in toilet cubicles.
Venesta become the first UK company to manufacture toilet cubicles using timber, plywood and high pressure laminate.
1925
Venesta introduces Plymax, metal faced plywood.
“Plymax” is the registered trade-mark used by Venesta as a trade name for plywood boards covered on one side or both sides with metal sheets.
1917
Venesta’s factory destory in the biggest explosion in the history of London.
The Venesta factory during the first world war, lies in ruins following the TNT explosion in Silvertown, East London, on 19th January 1917.
1907
Venesta’s tea chest were used in two-well known Antarctic expeditions.
Venesta boards and boxes gained special notoriety from two well-publicised Antarctic expeditions, Ernest Shackleton’s Nimrod Expedition and Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition.
1901
Venesta, the first name in Plywood.
In 1901, Venesta switched to aluminium chests with lead linings and with instant success by 1901, 60,000 were shipped to Britain each month.
1898
Venesta originally supplied materials for tea chests.
Founded by London Businessman, E.H. Archer and officially formed on the 15th January 1898, Venesta originated in Millwall, London supplying tea chests and was the first UK importer of Plywood.